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For C-Share information please contact Polar Capital or visit PCFC on the London Stock Exchange.
2. Source: Lipper. As at market close.
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2. Source: Lipper. As at market close.
Financials are the prime beneficiary of the shift out of a low inflation and interest rate environment. The improved outlook for normalised profitability has not been reflected in valuations and as the largest constituent of value indices it also provides diversification from growth sectors that have benefited from ultra-low interest rates over the last decade.
The Polar Capital Global Financials Trust invests across this large and diverse sector which includes banks, insurance companies, asset managers, stock exchanges and fintech companies.
Today, the level of risk on banks' balance sheets is materially lower than at the time of the Global Financial Crisis. We do not see this reflected in current valuations, which we think offers an attractive opportunity. In addition, as the largest constituent of value indices, Financials provides diversification from growth sectors that have benefitted from ultra-low rates in recent years.
With over 100 years’ experience investing across market cycles, the Polar Capital Global Financials team has built up an enviable track record.
Cumulative performance (%) | 1 month | 3 months | YTD | 1 year | Tender |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary Share Price (TR) | 4.19 | 11.44 | 11.44 | 23.81 | 88.32 |
NAV per Share (TR) | 4.76 | 10.29 | 10.29 | 22.04 | 94.84 |
Benchmark | 4.42 | 10.24 | 10.24 | 25.38 | 94.16 |
Discrete performance (%) | 31.03.23 28.03.24 | 31.03.22 31.03.23 | 31.03.21 31.03.22 | 31.03.20 31.03.21 | 29.03.19 31.03.20 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary Share Price (TR) | 23.81 | -17.38 | 11.81 | 65.66 | -19.83 |
NAV per Share (TR) | 22.04 | -6.28 | 10.33 | 56.24 | -21.84 |
Benchmark | 25.38 | -5.00 | 16.45 | 42.36 | -16.55 |
As at 28 March, 2024.
Past performance is not indicative or a guarantee of future results. Source: Bloomberg & HSBC Securities Services (UK) Limited, percentage growth, Net of Fees in GBP terms. More information on performance can be found in the Share Price & Performance tab. The tender offer was carried out on 22 April 2020 following approval to extend the Company’s life indefinitely.
As at 28 March, 2024.
Past performance is not indicative or a guarantee of future results. Source: Bloomberg & HSBC Securities Services (UK) Limited, percentage growth, Net of Fees in GBP terms. More information on performance can be found in the Share Price & Performance tab. The tender offer was carried out on 22 April 2020 following approval to extend the Company’s life indefinitely.
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Benchmarks: The following benchmark index is used: MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (in Sterling). This benchmark is generally considered to be representative of the Financial Equity universe. This benchmarks is a broad-based index which is used for comparative/illustrative purposes only and has been selected as it is well known and is easily recognizable by investors. Please refer to www.msci.com for further information on these indices. Comparisons to benchmarks have limitations as benchmark’s volatility and other material characteristics may differ from the Company. Security holdings, industry weightings and asset allocation made for the Company may differ significantly from the benchmark. Accordingly, investment results and volatility of the Fund may differ from those of the benchmark. The indices noted in this document are unmanaged, are unavailable for direct investment, and are not subject to management fees, transaction costs or other types of expenses that the Fund may incur. The performance of the indices reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. Therefore, investors should carefully consider these limitations and differences when evaluating the comparative benchmark data performance. Information regarding indices is included merely to show general trends in the periods indicated, it is not intended to imply that the Fund is similar to indices in composition or risk. The benchmark used to calculate the performance fee is provided by an administrator on the ESMA register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.
Performance/Investment Process/Risk: Performance is shown net of fees and expenses and includes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Factors affecting the Company’s performance may include changes in market conditions (including currency risk) and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The Company’s investment policy allows for it to enter into derivatives contracts. Leverage may be generated through the use of such financial instruments and investors must be aware that the use of derivatives may expose the Company to greater risks, including, but not limited to, unanticipated market developments and risks of illiquidity, and is not suitable for all investors. Those in possession of this document must read the Company’s Investment Policy and Annual Report for further information on the use of derivatives. Past performance is not a guide to or indicative of future results. Future returns or income are not guaranteed and a loss of principal may occur. Investments are not insured by the FDIC (or any other state or federal agency), or guaranteed by any bank, and may lose value. No investment process or strategy is free of risk and there is no guarantee that the investment process or strategy described herein will be profitable.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
Last updated {{time}} {{Date}}
2. Source: Lipper. As at market close.
The Company’s investment objective is to generate for investors a growing dividend income together with capital appreciation.
The Company aims to pay two interim dividends in respect of each full financial year. The Company will aim to increase the dividends progressively year on year. This is a target only and not a profit forecast and there can be no assurance that increases year on year or indeed dividends of any level will be paid. Any such interim dividends will not necessarily be of equal amounts because the dividends from the Company’s underlying investments are expected to arrive irregularly throughout the financial year.
The Company will seek to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a global portfolio consisting of listed or quoted securities issued by companies in the financials sector operating in the banking, insurance, property and other sub-sectors.
The portfolio is expected to be diversified by factors such as geography, industry sub-sector and stock market capitalisation. The Company may have a small exposure to unlisted and unquoted companies, but in aggregate this is not expected to exceed 10 per cent of total assets at the time of investment.
The Company will not invest more than 10 per cent of total assets, at the time of investment, in other listed closed-ended investment companies and no single investment will normally account for more than 10 per cent of the portfolio at the time of investment.
The Company will employ cautious levels of borrowing from time to time with the aim of enhancing returns, subject to an overall maximum of 15 per cent of net assets at the time the relevant borrowing is taken out. Actual levels of borrowing may change from time to time based on the Manager’s assessment of risk and reward.
The Company may invest through equities, index-linked, equity linked and other debt securities, cash deposits, money market instruments, foreign currency exchange transactions, forward transactions, index options and other interests including derivative instruments. Forward transactions, derivatives (including put and call options on individual positions or indices) and participation notes may be used to gain exposure to the securities of companies falling within the Company’s investment policy or to seek.
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Benchmarks: The following benchmark index is used: MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (in Sterling). This benchmark is generally considered to be representative of the Financial Equity universe. This benchmarks is a broad-based index which is used for comparative/illustrative purposes only and has been selected as it is well known and is easily recognizable by investors. Please refer to www.msci.com for further information on these indices. Comparisons to benchmarks have limitations as benchmark’s volatility and other material characteristics may differ from the Company. Security holdings, industry weightings and asset allocation made for the Company may differ significantly from the benchmark. Accordingly, investment results and volatility of the Fund may differ from those of the benchmark. The indices noted in this document are unmanaged, are unavailable for direct investment, and are not subject to management fees, transaction costs or other types of expenses that the Fund may incur. The performance of the indices reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. Therefore, investors should carefully consider these limitations and differences when evaluating the comparative benchmark data performance. Information regarding indices is included merely to show general trends in the periods indicated, it is not intended to imply that the Fund is similar to indices in composition or risk. The benchmark used to calculate the performance fee is provided by an administrator on the ESMA register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
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Source: London Stock Exchange. Delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Invalid Dates
Update chartOrdinary share price (TR), calculated by reinvesting dividends at relevant ex-dividend dates, does not take into account returns shareholders would have received from the subscription shares that they were issued with at launch. Please note that the subscription shares issued at the time of launch were subject to a single exercise date being 31 July 2017.
1 month | 3 month | YTD | 1 year | 3 years | Since Tender | Since Launch | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary Share Price (TR) | 4.19 | 11.44 | 11.44 | 23.81 | 14.38 | 88.32 | 125.33 |
NAV per Share (TR) | 4.76 | 10.29 | 10.29 | 22.04 | 26.20 | 94.84 | 154.42 |
Benchmark (NTR) | 4.42 | 10.24 | 10.24 | 25.38 | 38.70 | 94.16 | 172.80 |
MSCI ACWI Financials (NTR) | 4.42 | 10.24 | 10.24 | 25.38 | 38.70 | 94.16 | 159.38 |
Source: Bloomberg & HSBC Securities Services (UK) Limited, percentage growth, Net of Fees in GBP terms. Past performance is not indicative or a guarantee of future results.
The Trust was launched on 1 July 2013. The Net Asset Value (NAV) as at 1 July 2013 was 98.0p per ordinary share based on the subscription price of 100.0p per ordinary share and launch costs of 2.0p per ordinary share. The share price performance is adjusted for dividends paid out.
The benchmark changed on 23 April 2020 to MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (in Sterling) due to the Trust’s exposure to Emerging Market financials equities and its limited exposure to real estate equities. Prior to this the Trust’s benchmark was MSCI World Financials + Real Estate Net Total Return Index. Preceding 31 August 2016, the Trust’s benchmark was the MSCI World Financials Index, which included Real Estate as a constituent until its removal that year. Benchmark data above illustrates linked performance of these benchmarks.
The performance of the MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (excluding Real Estate, in Sterling with dividends reinvested) from the Trust’s inception is used for illustrative purposes only.
Financial YTD | 31.03.23 28.03.24 | 31.03.22 31.03.23 | 31.03.21 31.03.22 | 31.03.20 31.03.21 | 29.03.19 31.03.20 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary Share Price (TR) | 19.95 | 23.81 | -17.38 | 11.81 | 65.66 | -19.83 |
NAV per Share (TR) | 15.77 | 22.04 | -6.28 | 10.33 | 56.24 | -21.84 |
Benchmark (NTR) | 15.81 | 25.38 | -5.00 | 16.45 | 42.36 | -16.55 |
MSCI ACWI Financials (NTR) | 15.81 | 25.38 | -5.00 | 16.45 | 41.05 | -18.23 |
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Benchmarks: The following benchmark index is used: MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (in Sterling). This benchmark is generally considered to be representative of the Financial Equity universe. This benchmarks is a broad-based index which is used for comparative/illustrative purposes only and has been selected as it is well known and is easily recognizable by investors. Please refer to www.msci.com for further information on these indices. Comparisons to benchmarks have limitations as benchmark’s volatility and other material characteristics may differ from the Company. Security holdings, industry weightings and asset allocation made for the Company may differ significantly from the benchmark. Accordingly, investment results and volatility of the Fund may differ from those of the benchmark. The indices noted in this document are unmanaged, are unavailable for direct investment, and are not subject to management fees, transaction costs or other types of expenses that the Fund may incur. The performance of the indices reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. Therefore, investors should carefully consider these limitations and differences when evaluating the comparative benchmark data performance. Information regarding indices is included merely to show general trends in the periods indicated, it is not intended to imply that the Fund is similar to indices in composition or risk. The benchmark used to calculate the performance fee is provided by an administrator on the ESMA register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.
Performance/Investment Process/Risk: Performance is shown net of fees and expenses and includes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Factors affecting the Company’s performance may include changes in market conditions (including currency risk) and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The Company’s investment policy allows for it to enter into derivatives contracts. Leverage may be generated through the use of such financial instruments and investors must be aware that the use of derivatives may expose the Company to greater risks, including, but not limited to, unanticipated market developments and risks of illiquidity, and is not suitable for all investors. Those in possession of this document must read the Company’s Investment Policy and Annual Report for further information on the use of derivatives. Past performance is not a guide to or indicative of future results. Future returns or income are not guaranteed and a loss of principal may occur. Investments are not insured by the FDIC (or any other state or federal agency), or guaranteed by any bank, and may lose value. No investment process or strategy is free of risk and there is no guarantee that the investment process or strategy described herein will be profitable.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
JPMorgan | 6.7 | |
Mastercard | 5.5 | |
Chubb | 3.6 | |
Wells Fargo | 2.7 | |
Visa | 2.6 | |
UniCredit | 2.5 | |
Citigroup | 2.2 | |
BBVA | 2.2 | |
Goldman Sachs Group | 2.2 | |
Marsh McLennan | 2.2 | |
Top 10 Holdings | 32.4 | |
Rest of Portfolio | 67.6 |
Total Number of Positions 86
Banks | 36.1 | |
Financial Services | 35.0 | |
Insurance | 20.5 | |
Fixed Income | 8.5 | |
Note: Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Key | GBP | |
Total Net Assets | £550.4m | |
AIC Gearing Ratio | 6.18% | |
AIC Net Cash Ratio | n/a | |
Mega Cap (>USD$ 105.19 bn) | 31.4 | |
Large Cap (USD$ 39.08 - 105.19 bn) | 30.1 | |
Mid Cap (USD$ 14.02 - 39.08 bn) | 16.9 | |
Small Cap (USD$ 4.65 - 14.02 bn) | 7.8 | |
Smallest Cap (<USD $ 4.65 bn) | 13.9 |
Market capitalisation ranges are defined by Polar Capital and are subject to change.
North America | 45.7 | |
Europe | 15.5 | |
UK | 13.1 | |
Asia Pac (ex-Japan) | 10.2 | |
Fixed Income | 8.5 | |
Japan | 4.1 | |
Latin America | 3.0 | |
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.
Holdings: Portfolio data is “as at” the date indicated and should not be relied upon as a complete or current listing of the holdings (or top holdings) of the Company. The holdings may represent only a small percentage of the aggregate portfolio holdings, are subject to change without notice, and may not represent current or future portfolio composition. Information on particular holdings may be withheld if it is in the Company’s best interest to do so. It should not be assumed that recommendations made in future will be profitable or will equal performance of the securities in this document. A list of all recommendations made within the immediately preceding 12 months is available upon request. This document is not a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. It is designed to provide updated information to professional investors to enable them to monitor the Company.
Benchmarks: The following benchmark index is used: MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (in Sterling). This benchmark is generally considered to be representative of the Financial Equity universe. This benchmarks is a broad-based index which is used for comparative/illustrative purposes only and has been selected as it is well known and is easily recognizable by investors. Please refer to www.msci.com for further information on these indices. Comparisons to benchmarks have limitations as benchmark’s volatility and other material characteristics may differ from the Company. Security holdings, industry weightings and asset allocation made for the Company may differ significantly from the benchmark. Accordingly, investment results and volatility of the Fund may differ from those of the benchmark. The indices noted in this document are unmanaged, are unavailable for direct investment, and are not subject to management fees, transaction costs or other types of expenses that the Fund may incur. The performance of the indices reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. Therefore, investors should carefully consider these limitations and differences when evaluating the comparative benchmark data performance. Information regarding indices is included merely to show general trends in the periods indicated, it is not intended to imply that the Fund is similar to indices in composition or risk. The benchmark used to calculate the performance fee is provided by an administrator on the ESMA register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Allocations: The strategy allocation percentages set forth in this webpage are estimates and actual percentages may vary from time-to-time. The types of investments presented herein will not always have the same comparable risks and returns. Please see the private placement memorandum or prospectus for a description of the investment allocations as well as the risks associated therewith. Please note that the Company may elect to invest assets in different investment sectors from those depicted herein, which may entail additional and/or different risks. Performance of the Company is dependent on the Investment Manager’s ability to identify and access appropriate investments, and balance assets to maximize return to the Company while minimizing its risk. The actual investments in the Company may or may not be the same or in the same proportion as those shown herein.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
Pence per share
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Performance/Investment Process/Risk: Performance is shown net of fees and expenses and includes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Factors affecting the Company’s performance may include changes in market conditions (including currency risk) and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The Company’s investment policy allows for it to enter into derivatives contracts. Leverage may be generated through the use of such financial instruments and investors must be aware that the use of derivatives may expose the Company to greater risks, including, but not limited to, unanticipated market developments and risks of illiquidity, and is not suitable for all investors. Those in possession of this document must read the Company’s Investment Policy and Annual Report for further information on the use of derivatives. Past performance is not a guide to or indicative of future results. Future returns or income are not guaranteed and a loss of principal may occur. Investments are not insured by the FDIC (or any other state or federal agency), or guaranteed by any bank, and may lose value. No investment process or strategy is free of risk and there is no guarantee that the investment process or strategy described herein will be profitable.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Statements/Opinions/Views: All opinions and estimates constitute the best judgment of Polar Capital as of the date hereof, but are subject to change without notice, and do not necessarily represent the views of Polar Capital. This material does not constitute legal or accounting advice; readers should contact their legal and accounting professionals for such information. All sources are Polar Capital unless otherwise stated.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Third-party Data: Some information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and has not been independently verified by Polar Capital. Neither Polar Capital nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any data contained herein.
Holdings: Portfolio data is “as at” the date indicated and should not be relied upon as a complete or current listing of the holdings (or top holdings) of the Company. The holdings may represent only a small percentage of the aggregate portfolio holdings, are subject to change without notice, and may not represent current or future portfolio composition. Information on particular holdings may be withheld if it is in the Company’s best interest to do so. It should not be assumed that recommendations made in future will be profitable or will equal performance of the securities in this document. A list of all recommendations made within the immediately preceding 12 months is available upon request. This document is not a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. It is designed to provide updated information to professional investors to enable them to monitor the Company.
Benchmarks: The following benchmark index is used: MSCI ACWI Financials Net Total Return Index (in Sterling). This benchmark is generally considered to be representative of the Financial Equity universe. This benchmarks is a broad-based index which is used for comparative/illustrative purposes only and has been selected as it is well known and is easily recognizable by investors. Please refer to www.msci.com for further information on these indices. Comparisons to benchmarks have limitations as benchmark’s volatility and other material characteristics may differ from the Company. Security holdings, industry weightings and asset allocation made for the Company may differ significantly from the benchmark. Accordingly, investment results and volatility of the Fund may differ from those of the benchmark. The indices noted in this document are unmanaged, are unavailable for direct investment, and are not subject to management fees, transaction costs or other types of expenses that the Fund may incur. The performance of the indices reflects reinvestment of dividends and, where applicable, capital gain distributions. Therefore, investors should carefully consider these limitations and differences when evaluating the comparative benchmark data performance. Information regarding indices is included merely to show general trends in the periods indicated, it is not intended to imply that the Fund is similar to indices in composition or risk. The benchmark used to calculate the performance fee is provided by an administrator on the ESMA register of benchmarks which includes details of all authorised, registered, recognised and endorsed EU and third country benchmark administrators together with their national competent authorities.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Forecasts: References to future returns are not promises or estimates of actual returns Polar Capital may achieve. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice or a recommendation. Forecasts are based upon subjective estimates and assumptions about circumstances and events that have not and may not take place.
Performance/Investment Process/Risk: Performance is shown net of fees and expenses and includes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Factors affecting the Company’s performance may include changes in market conditions (including currency risk) and interest rates and in response to other economic, political, or financial developments. The Company’s investment policy allows for it to enter into derivatives contracts. Leverage may be generated through the use of such financial instruments and investors must be aware that the use of derivatives may expose the Company to greater risks, including, but not limited to, unanticipated market developments and risks of illiquidity, and is not suitable for all investors. Those in possession of this document must read the Company’s Investment Policy and Annual Report for further information on the use of derivatives. Past performance is not a guide to or indicative of future results. Future returns or income are not guaranteed and a loss of principal may occur. Investments are not insured by the FDIC (or any other state or federal agency), or guaranteed by any bank, and may lose value. No investment process or strategy is free of risk and there is no guarantee that the investment process or strategy described herein will be profitable.
Allocations: The strategy allocation percentages set forth in this webpage are estimates and actual percentages may vary from time-to-time. The types of investments presented herein will not always have the same comparable risks and returns. Please see the private placement memorandum or prospectus for a description of the investment allocations as well as the risks associated therewith. Please note that the Company may elect to invest assets in different investment sectors from those depicted herein, which may entail additional and/or different risks. Performance of the Company is dependent on the Investment Manager’s ability to identify and access appropriate investments, and balance assets to maximize return to the Company while minimizing its risk. The actual investments in the Company may or may not be the same or in the same proportion as those shown herein.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
ISIN | GB00B9XQT119 |
---|---|
SEDOL | B9XQT11 |
London Stock Exchange | PCFT |
LEI | 549300G5SWN8EP2P4U41 |
LEI Polar Capital LLP | 4YW3JKTZ3K1II2GVCK15 |
Management | 0.70% |
Performance | 10% |
Ongoing Charges | 0.86% |
With effect from 23 April 2020, the performance fee is calculated daily on any outperformance over the performance fee hurdle. The hurdle is the benchmark index +1.5% per annum, compounded annually. The Management fee was reduced from 0.85% to 0.70% with effect from 7 April 2020. Ongoing charges calculated at the latest published year end date, excluding any performance fees. Further details can be found in the Report and Accounts.
Important Information: This website is provided for the sole use of the intended recipient and is not a financial promotion. It shall not and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer to make an investment into any Fund or Company managed by Polar Capital. It may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Polar Capital. The law restricts distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. It is the responsibility of any person/s in possession of this document to inform themselves of, and to observe, all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction. Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc is an investment company with investment trust status and as such its ordinary and subscription shares are excluded from the FCA’s (Financial Conduct Authority’s) restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products. The Company conducts its affairs and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future so that the exclusion continues to apply. Subscription shares will have a dilutive effect on ordinary shares when the net asset value (NAV) is greater than the conversion price.
It is not designed to contain information material to an investor’s decision to invest in Polar Capital Global Financials Trust plc, an Alternative Investment Fund under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 2011/61/EU (“AIFMD”) managed by Polar Capital LLP the appointed Alternative Investment Manager. In relation to each member state of the EEA (each a “Member State”) which has implemented the AIFMD, this document may only be distributed and shares may only be offered or placed in a Member State to the extent that (1) the Fund is permitted to be marketed to professional investors in the relevant Member State in accordance with AIFMD; or (2) this document may otherwise be lawfully distributed and the shares may otherwise be lawfully offered or placed in that Member State (including at the initiative of the investor). As at the date of this document,the Company has not been approved, notified or registered in accordance with the AIFMD for marketing to professional investors in any member state of the EEA. However, such approval may be sought or such notification or registration may be made in the future. Therefore this website is only transmitted to an investor in an EEA Member State at such investor’s own initiative. SUCH INFORMATION, INCLUDING RELEVANT RISK FACTORS, IS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY’S OFFER DOCUMENT WHICH MUST BE READ BY ANY PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR.
Historic Yield: The Historic Yield reflects distributions declared over the past twelve months as a percentage of the share price, as at the date given. It does not include any initial charge and investors may be subject to tax on their distributions. Investors should note that Historic Yield does not measure the overall performance of the Company. It is possible for the Company to lose money overall but to have a positive historic yield. Historic yield cannot be considered as being similar to the interest rate an investor would earn on a savings account.
Information Subject to Change: The information contained herein is subject to change, without notice, at the discretion of Polar Capital and Polar Capital does not undertake to revise or update this information in any way.
Country Specific disclaimers: The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") and the holders of its shares will not be entitled to the benefits of the Investment Company Act. In addition, the offer and sale of the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No Securities may be offered or sold or otherwise transacted within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act). In connection with the transaction referred to in this document the shares of the Fund will be offered and sold only outside the United States to, and for the account or benefit of non U.S. Persons in "offshore- transactions" within the meaning of, and in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Regulation S under the Securities Act. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. Any failure to comply with the above restrictions may constitute a violation of such securities laws.
Fund Manager Commentary As at 28 March 2024
Market review
March was an excellent month for equity markets, led by Europe, as investors continued to buy into the narrative of a soft landing on the pick-up in economic data. The US equity market, while lagging, made further all-time highs, with the Japanese equity market held back by currency weakness despite the Bank of Japan raising interest rates for the first time since 2007. Against this background, financials outperformed, rising 4.4% as illustrated by our benchmark index, the MSCI All Country World Financials Index, with the Trust’s net asset value rising by 4.8%.
Nationwide bid for Virgin Money
A surprise in March came in the form of UK bank consolidation, with the announcement that Nationwide Building Society, the UK’s largest mutual, had agreed a £2.9bn deal to acquire Virgin Money UK (Virgin Money). We believe the Board of Virgin Money failed to explain why they were selling the bank for such a low valuation. At best, it is not a great advertisement for the medium-term outlook for the UK banking sector if a so-called challenger has thrown the towel in for a cash bid.
When Virgin Money was first acquired in 2018, by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank Group (CYBG), it was then effectively the remaining rump of Northern Rock, with the combined group taking the Virgin name. At the time it was described by one anonymous fund manager as “two drunks propping each other up doth not make for good bedfellows”. Long-term shareholders would agree as even taking into account the takeover premium paid, shareholders have lost money over the six years, as well as underperforming their UK bank peers by over 40%.
UK bank holdings
The Trust’s two UK bank holdings are OSB Group, which is primarily a buy-to-let lender, and Barclays, which is a more recent purchase where we see sentiment as too negative. Bar a brief period in 2023 when we side-stepped a profit warning, we have owned OSB Group since it IPO’d in 2015 but were caught in March by lower guidance on net interest income than had been expected, which knocked the share price. Nevertheless, since IPO OSB Group has grown its book value per share by over 4x while returning 181p per share in dividends, which compares with an IPO price of 170p per share, equating to a compound annualised return to shareholders of over 12% per annum.
The flipside of that equation is that its shares have derated materially – a problem for all UK banks. Today it trades on less than 0.7x price to book which, for a business that is expected to deliver a high-teens return on equity, we see as mispriced. Why is it so much better than its larger peers? OSB Group has benefited from being incredibly efficiently run, with operations in India leading to a market-leading cost-to-income ratio while along with Paragon Bank, another buy-to-let lender, operates in a very attractive market that is much less commoditised than the wider UK mortgage market. For now, we see no reason for that to change and used the opportunity of poor communication around the outlook for 2024 earnings to increase our holding.
Barclays is a shorter-term trade. For too long it has been a value trap for shareholders and its recent travails have been well documented in Philip Augar’s The Bank that Lived a Little that takes its journey back to 1983 and the fateful decision to buy BZW and enter investment banking. Nevertheless, sentiment has been too negative with prospective returns inching higher over the past two years but the shares only recently starting to participate. At a strategy day management promised to return to shareholders at least £10bn but sell-side analysts have not bought into its profitability targets. Trading at around 0.5x book value per share, we do not think that matters as the bar remains painfully low, albeit for good reason.
Ireland
Our only holding here is AIB Group which we continue to like. The Irish banking market has become very concentrated following the exit of Danske Bank, KBC Group and Ulster Bank (part of NatWest Group) leaving only three banks that could be argued are genuine competitors. Ireland was hit very hard by the excesses of the Irish banks, most notably Anglo Irish Bank, in the run up to the global financial crisis, where mortgages were offered at 100%+ loans-to-value and commercial property lending was undertaken on equally weak criteria.
As a consequence of this, all the Irish banks have to carry much more capital than their European peers as their models include the losses from their incontinent lending practices of 15+ years ago, reducing downside risk but equally offering the potential for higher capital returns in future years. As with most European banks, their funding and liquidity metrics are much stronger and over the past couple of years their profitability has improved markedly due to the rise in interest rates, reflecting the limited pressure they have had to pass them on to depositors.
Reflecting the fact that it has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of higher interest rates, the reverse is equally true if interest rates were to be cut more than expected. While the bank has been extending its interest rate hedges to lock in higher interest rates, earnings revisions have also continued to be positive, reflecting the conservatism of the management team. In the longer term, we would expect the stronger performance of the Irish economy to lead to stronger loan growth too. Against this background, the bank’s shares trade at below 0.9x book value despite a double-digit return on equity forecast going forward.
Nick Brind
Nick’s experience comes from running specialist and generalist funds with UK and global mandates for the past 25+ years
George Barrow
George is a specialist financials fund manager as well as an analyst across Europe, Asia and emerging markets
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